Wisconsin Supreme Court is sure showing those legislators! I wonder if the “four hundred and two” year budget increase will result in a “one hundred and thirty thousand six hundred and fifty” dollar increase per student?😊
I grew up Jewish, but I absolutely don't get why it's a Passover joke.
I get the visuals of it & laughed, but what does it have to do with this boring stupid holiday, with terrible food, which originally was just an enforced vacation after the planting of the crops?
In fact, all the major Jewish holidays happen either after planting season or after harvest season & are exactly the same thing, take some off time to rest after that hard work.
But the religious kooks have fetishized them into something sacred.
I take offense Gary. I too grew up Jewish, and still go to Seders at my parents’ house. There is a part in the Seder where we read about the 4 kinds of sons. This is spot on. Unfortunately, most of the attendees at my folks do not seem to take it too seriously either.
Garry Spelled Correctly, Not to get into a religious argument, but I disagree profoundly with your view on Jewish festivals. Yes, they're earth-based, which is an understanding of the rhythms of nature with which we all live and which we must cherish. And the themes of each holiday are profound, including Passover. During our Passover Seders, we're commanded to tell the story every year of how the Israelites journeyed from slavery to freedom. There's a midrash (stories by the ancient Rabbis) about how the seas didn't part until one brave man stepped forward first, possibly risking his life if the seas did not part. In today's world and in the U.S., where our freedoms are being sledge-hammered away by this regime, and where each person must step forward to resist, the message is profound. Passover is connected to the next Jewish holiday, Shavuot, the giving of the Law, because freedom without laws is anarchy. Right now in the U.S., we're actually living this, as Trump and his regime are defying our laws. I'm not a kook, I don't fetishize, but I AM a proud and informed Jew!
Macaroons are disgusting, filled with shredded coconut!
Mandel bread, Matzoh brie & decent matzoh balls are the only edible foods during Passover. I still remember those appalling jelly candies my mom would buy, blech!
I'm glad that we have this space, created by Eric, in which we can discuss different opinions, but with respect. I DO believe in the wisdom of Jewish traditions and heritage. You don't. Of course that's fine! And that's what I love about Judaism and about our country, that we can hopefully have different views and not impose them on one another.
I'm also a non-observant Jew who had no idea. Speaking of AI, I asked mine for an explanation (I didn't say "please" or "thank you" though) and got this:
"The **Four Sons** in the Passover tradition come from the **Haggadah**, the text read during the Passover Seder. They represent four different types of children, each with a distinct approach to learning about the Exodus:
1. **The Wise Son** – He asks detailed questions about the laws and customs of Passover, showing intellectual curiosity. He is given a thorough explanation of the traditions.
2. **The Wicked Son** – He distances himself from the community by asking, “What is this service to you?” The response emphasizes that had he been in Egypt, he would not have been redeemed.
3. **The Simple Son** – He asks plainly, “What is this?” and receives a straightforward answer about God’s role in freeing the Israelites.
4. **The Son Who Does Not Know How to Ask** – Since he does not ask, the tradition encourages proactively teaching him about the Exodus.
This teaching highlights the importance of **tailoring education** to each child’s level of understanding and engagement. It reflects the broader idea that everyone, regardless of their approach, has a place in the Jewish tradition.
We are very secular Jews, but we observe Passover (dare I say) religiously every year, and every year I visualize a mostly unbroken stream of Passover celebrations going back in time to my distant ancestors. The continuity of family and tradition is what’s special to me. Reminders of the value of going from bondage — of whatever kind — to freedom are also important. Especially now.
(p.s., I kinda like macaroons, but for me, make mine dark chocolate covered candied orange rind).
ANYTHING covered with dark chocolate is delicious! :-) And yes to the continuity of tradition, and to creating new traditions (vegan matzah ball soup?)
Many religious practices have a basis in something practical that made sense at the time. Celebrating a successful harvest meant people wouldn’t starve. Other religious rites might come from beliefs about acceptable behavior. Personally I believe a lot of the decline in religious practice comes from people not believing in doing things the same as people did 2000 years ago.
Do you find it at all annoying that this is your Substack, your writing, and mainly your views, and you have people asking for other people's views? I come here for your take on things, same reason I read your column at the Tribune. If i wanted Conservative views I could go follow John Kass. Not every spot needs to kowtow to conservative views.
I really don't want to hear from anyone defending the likes of Pete Hegseth or Kristi Noem or RKFJR or Luttnick or the people who thought an administration full of these numbnuts was a good idea.
But Rubin isn't defending any of them, she hates them all!
I can't tell you how many people are amazed at that moron McMahon the Education Secretary calling AI, A-1 as in the steak sauce!
Kegsbreath will be gone soon, he's really made a mess of things using Signal. Noem is now an international joke with her purse getting stolen. Brainworm Bobbie is off the rails & will ultimately destroy himself & Lutnick is obviously insane, actually believing this tariff crap!.
I'm not so sure that Hegseth will be gone soon. I've been reading that Trump is counting on him to give the orders to the military when Trump declares martial law in response to "violent uprisings" (people protesting Trump's administration).
I laughed when I saw McMahon call it A-1. But since then I have enjoyed calling AI A-1. I am eager to see what policy McMahon proposes to stop students from using A-1 to do their homework.
I read Charen in the ST & I'm surprised to see her so anti-fat fascist traitor, after what she used to write years ago.
Frum went liberal at least a decade ago & supported Hillary. The rest I never read & Douthat has always disgusted me, he always came of as an apologist for the worst crimes of the Catholic Church & its child molesting priests.
I really wonder if Rubin is sorry for her Republican cheerleading all those years. Her prominence as a voice of the Right (her column used to be called "Right Turn", after all) was part of the slow (perhaps inevitable?) Republican march from Reagan to Gingrich to Bush II/Dick Cheney to Trump. Has she ever addressed her complicity (to anyone's knowledge)?
There are plenty of conservatives who played a part in that back then who now wholeheartedly rail against this current regime. I mentioned a few in another comment below (Bill Kristol, Rick Wilson, Nicolle Wallace) and some have shown regret.
But I'm willing to look past that for now - we need as many allies as we can get at the moment. It's not like their Republican résumés will spare them from the MAGA wrath.
I reside in a blue bubble and would welcome conservative feedback/push back. Not the king worshipping Maga culture wars garbage, but thoughtful conservative ideology.
I've recently subscribed to The Bulwark on YouTube, even though I loathed Bill Kristol for decades. I also watch Rick Wilson's videos from time to time, which is amazing knowing the terrible ads he was responsible for 20 years ago. Nicolle Wallace on MSNBC used to be George W Bush's communications director.
"Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows." ~ William Shakespeare
But yet you're a subscriber here. The land of the Rhubbard Patch, and Mincing Rascals, and a journalist who has been known to espouse viewpoints not in line with popular liberal opinion. It's what makes this substack superior to boring echo chambers.
Could it be the Sun-Times is discontinuing opinion columns on Tuesdays and Thursdays because it cannot compete with the juggernaut that is The Picayune Sentinel?
I have no problem with espousing conservative views. I have said this in the past. But whose? Most of the views around here are expressed by readers. The majority of the readers lean left. Readers on the right have come here on more than one occasion to spew vitriol and announce they were leaving the the forum. There are occasional outside comments, more on Thursday than Tuesday, but for the most part this seems to be a reader driven forum. I totally agree with Eric on the the issue of non-subscribers being allowed to comment. I have said before that I read the comments after news stories on Yahoo. It is primarily hateful childish vitriol. I realize that here they would at least be required to provide a name. Let them sign up for a subscription and provide their legal name. Make it clear that over the top comments and those using personal attacks or attacking various groups are not welcome. Before David tells me, I realize that Trump catches a lot of flak. He is a special case and it does not happen in general to conservatives. Actually I do not consider Trump a conservative. He is out for Donald Trump and will spew out anything that gets a lot of people cheering for him.
Not just Trump, but quite a few MAGA leaders are just opportunists. Many were democrats. Peter Navarro speaking at the 1996 democratic convention in Chicago, "Make no mistake there are key differences between we democrats and our opponents": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCN1zk-4y5Q
We have serious problems in this country. We have a shaky economy, many social issues, criminal violence and many others. It’s sad to think we elect people to enrich themselves rather than solve them. But I guess on the conservative side with Trump making all the decisions for them, there isn’t all that much to keep them occupied.
Hey Laurence - I agree with you. Opening up comments unfortunately results in some people hurling inane bumper-sticker vitriol at the forum from both sides of the political divide. I enjoy registering my perspectives in a thoughtful and reasoned manner without name-calling, branding or the occasional course language (although, truth be told, our friends Skeptic and Garry regularly give me a big smile and even an LOL from their very creative and descriptive posts! 😆).
One missive to those who do not like to see opposing conservative viewpoints in the discussion. Intolerance does not benefit your understanding of our very diverse world. Have a great day everyone!
I just had another thought. What conservative pundits will wish to contribute to this forum without the desire to simply attack liberals? George Will? I personally believe most conservative pundits would avoid coming here like the plague to avoid being labeled traitors to the cause by their fellow conservatives. Did any of the readers wanting more conservative commentary have any suggestions whom they want?
I'm going to disagree with you on this my friend. I believe most reasoned conservative pundits would welcome the opportunity to present a contrary viewpoint, and perhaps new information to many, on the PS. The entire point of commentary is to inform and attempt to persuade, and attacking people would simply turn them off and tune them out, so that would be counterproductive for a conservative commentator.
I think you are very wrong. I stick to what I already said. Most are more interested in the attack than contrasting viewpoints. And I read many, not just the ones occasionally seen in the Chicago papers. You should read the Vegas paper. I would swear ther columnists double ad Fox News shills.
I wish people would stop using the term conservative to describe The Orange Menace, the Muskovites, and the MAGAts. Conservative used to mean preserving the best parts of American life. The First Amendment protections come to mind as a conservative value.
Now "conservative" gets applied to those who literally and figuratively take a chain saw to our institutions in pursuit of personal revenge.
Which is why I use term MAGA more than conservative. No one on either side is wrong 100% percent of the time. There are distinct differences between MAGAs and conservatives. MAGAs call any conservatives that disagree with them RINOs. It's possible to be a conservative and not like Trump.. Many Chicago Democrats are conservative on both fiscal and social issues. They vote Democratic primarily as union members. No one could have called the Daley family liberals. Conservative and liberal are often confused with political party membership. I call myself independent. I refuse to support every plank in the platform of either party. Loyal party members are locked into positions with which they might personally disagree. It is a destroyer of independent thinking.
I wonder if the suggestions that the Picayune Sentinel should be a bothsidesistic bore come almost exclusively from the 7% who identify as "conservative"(whatever that means to them)? As for me, the tune of the week is "Stay as sweet as you are."
Speaking of Trump, someone will need to explain to me what makes him think he is smarter about the economy than Powell. A guy that has had a number of bankruptcies and closures? Powell has been fighting inflation since the beginning of the pandemic. Trump has been screaming that lowering interest rates will spur investment. It would also cause inflation. It would cause increased debt load for a population already amassing debt at record levels. There is no guarantee of a lot of new investment. And there are a lot of people that depend on earned interest for income and otherwise increasing their shrinking investments. This is once again Trump trying to boos things for the rich at the cost of the poor. He refuses to take no for an answer when told he can't fire Powell. There are sound reasons for the position to be independent of politicians like Trump, even more so than the judges Trump keeps threatening to impeach.
It's the classic Dunning-Kruger syndrome. he really thinks he's the smartest person on Earth.
In fact, he's easily one of the dumbest, he never went to class at either university he went to, paid other students to take his tests & only got his degree from Penn/Wharton, because his filthy rich father shoveled a huge amount of cash to them!
Remember, he actually didn't know what happened at Pear Harbor on December 7, 1941, he really asked an admiral about that!
He never reads any newspapers or magazines, let alone books, only watched Fox [alleged] News, required all papers given to him as president to be just one page, large type with bullet points to make sure he might understand it, plus put his name there a couple of times to please him.
In other words, he's a useless fucking moron, with the nuclear codes!
Not to mention that he pretends he is a Christian.. Notwithstanding his announcement about "Two Corinthians" I suspect he could not name a book in the Bible.
And his hate-filled rant about Easter which followed a message (that had some kind thoughts) and was clearly written by someone else.
Trump thinks that lowering interest rates will create a bull market and prevent recession and cover his ass as his foreign and economic policies cause negative disruptions in the economy. This is sort of general economic wisdom but there is only so much manipulation of the money supply can do. Once interest rates go to zero, there's not much wiggle room. (See Japan in the 90's and the US in 2008) In fact one of the main reasons the stock market is as high as it is, is there is a lot of money around and there's no place to put it and get a good return. (Based on fundamentals Trump Media should be about $2; it's trading at $22) Investors, foreign and domestic, are fleeing the dollar and Treasuries. Lowering interest rates will only exacerbate that trend. A cheaper dollar will make American goods cheaper, but if you think this will make a huge difference in the current trade wars, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
If you voted for Trump because of his economic genius, you watched too much Apprentice.
The average American has no idea just how precarious our economy is at the moment, and it's all from self-inflicted wounds of our would-be Dear Leader. If someone were trying to force the US government to default, I couldn't think of a better way to ensure that than by killing the stock market while also chasing foreign investors out of the bond market.
You are being too kind to him. Errors in financial judgment are almost acceptable. It’s all one big guessing game anyway, although supposedly it is based on computerized financial models. I don’t give Trump that much credit. How much of what he is doing now or did in his first term was purely populist and based on people adoring him or helping his billionaire buddies? It’s so sad watching MAGAs adore him and believe he actually cares about them.
"and justice to all.. who support me." All animals are equal. Ideological balance - maybe. There are too much one sided forums but it is a slippery slope. Maybe more Siskel and Ebert - individuals sharing thoughts and not afraid to disagree. Open comments - may God have mercy on your soul. "Coffin Flop" is definitely in the America's Funniest Home Videos cue the laugh track - but not funny. Rascals - I think poll question was about the rascal pre-show - which I admitted rarely watch, but catch every show. Chatbot - those worrying about extra energy costs also worry that Godzilla's toe fungus is spread to wherever he stomps.
AI is not going away. Anything invented by scientists is considered progressive. The problem with AI is that it will be used and misused by humans- at least until AI decides it can do without us. I like to use the example of nuclear energy. Splitting the atom was going to produce unlimited energy and help the entire planet. Unfortunately it also produced nuclear weapons which have the ability to decimate the planet. Even the inventors questioned what they did. Defenders will point out the wonderful things that can be created with AI. It has already been proven to produce fake ads and political speeches, student cheating and other misuses. How will we ever be able to determine when speech and images come from AI and not actual people, and can be as false as three dollar bills?
As an attorney who has been tutored on the use of "A-1" in the legal profession, I have seen the massive efficiency the tool can give to legal practitioners to use and abuse. I foresee 50%-75% of transactional work currently performed by attorneys and paralegals disappear within the next 5-10 years. I am concerned for those in, or applying to law school - the job market will transform significantly before they graduate (including my niece). I tell everyone that I know who is currently in law school to become as comfortable with, and adept in its use as quickly as possible.
Legal AI is most effective in the hands of experienced attorneys, because they know whether or not the "finished" product spit out by the tool is good or not. Junior attorneys who do not know much about the law can be easily deceived by (or become lazily reliant upon) the results generated by legal AI tools.
Legal-specific AI tools (Spellbook, for example) can reduce the amount of time in drafting extremely complex contracts by 90%. (I've done it.) BigLaw firms today say that they don't see legal AI cutting into their fees charged to clients. They're lying. If they try to maintain their current billing rates (by the hour) but are able to product the "same" work product in 1/10th the time, they'll either be padding their legal invoices to their clients or will be undercut by cheaper, effective users of AI legal tools.
I am a very heavily lapsed Catholic but I mourn the death of Pope Francis, a good man in a wicked world and a preacher of mercy in a cruel world.
Other points of view (from Ron Filipkowski's excellent "Today in politics"): Ann Coulter: “Good work, JD.”… Rep. Marge Greene (R-GA): “Today there were major shifts in global leaderships. Evil is being defeated by the hand of God.”
He seemed to be a truly nice guy, had many Jewish friends in Argentina, wanted the church to end its appalling record on child abuse by priests, realized the poor needed help & didn't give a damn if gays existed & wouldn't condemn them, he said they were humans. He refused to live in the fancy papal palace, lived in the small guest house it had.
Now he'll probably be replaced by a monster like his predecessor, who was a member of the Hitler Youth!
About gays, Papa Francesco said "Who am I to judge?" The Pope of Rome himself expressing the humility that does not stain the robes of judgmental Bishops like that jerk Cardinal Dolan of NY. Papa Francesco was a Pope to be emulated as more Christlike in his words and deeds than many (most) of the Cardinals to be considered in the upcoming Papal Conclave.
It’s interesting to me that it is the people who consider themselves to be “conservative” or “libertarian” who feel that there needs to be more viewpoint balance here, I guess either in the Picayune Sentinel itself or in the comments. Also that “virtue signaling”by people on the left was a complaint. I looked up “virtue signaling,” and learned that it’s stating what one considers to be a popular opinion or viewpoint even though one doesn’t really support the opinion or viewpoint. These suggestions on how to improve the Picayune Sentinel sure make “conservatives” and “libertarians” seem pretty fragile! “Why don’t others agree with me!” seems to be a common refrain. “I’m not a monster!” was one of my favorites. They have repeatedly called me, in the comments section of the Picayune Sentinel, a “biological man,” said I should not be allowed in women’s locker rooms even though I have female parts, told me I should be ashamed of myself for comparing discrimination against transgender people to discrimination against black people, and then they have the chutzpah to say there is too much “vitriol” against “conservative” and “libertarian” viewpoints! Poor privileged babies! Talk about snowflakes. “Gee, Mom, people don’t like me because I support someone who separates immigrant families, and wants to disappear people to a Central American gulag without a court hearing! The world is so unfair!” Give me a break! By the way, I was interested to learn that the old definition of “vitriol” was sulfuric acid.
I’m sorry, StevenK, did I read this edition of the Picayune Sentinel wrong? Was it the progressives who were complaining about how the Picayune Sentinel and the accompanying comments were so unfair to them? Was it the liberals who said, “We’re not monsters”?
What you’re characterising as “complaints” were actually categorised as “suggestions”. How do you know that they were all made by conservatives? I’m a fairly liberal fellow, yet I wouldn’t mind seeing a few other viewpoints from time to time, even if I wasn’t one of the ones that dropped that in the suggestion box.
I certainly wouldn’t mind either, but it’s virtually impossible to find thoughtful conversations with conservative thinkers because they despise Trump as much as we do. How on Earth can we discuss the finer points of fiscal policy or human rights when the entire Trump administration is performative trolling while Trump eats the chess pieces and plays golf? The only real discussion right now is how to restore trust in whatever form of government emerges from this slo-mo car wreck.
In addition, your comment is a little like saying that a child born with a cleft lip, who has surgery to correct it, doesn’t have a normal lip; they just have a cleft lip that has been fashioned into something resembling a normal lip. Your hatred of transgender people could not be more manifest.
Is anyone here besides me surprised that Trump didn’t ban Earth Day? It just has to be some kind of divisive liberal DEI plot designed particularly to hurt the coal, oil, and timber industries.
“For consistency’s sake, be sure your demands for justice are framed as demands for due process and fair trials. That way you preserve the leg you’re now standing on as you demand due process and a fair trial for Kilmar Abrego Garcia.”
What a false equivalence. I have never heard any one, let alone a public official, seriously suggest that police officers who end up killing should be put in prison without due process. Maybe arrested quickly . But that’s when due process kicks in. Never heard anyone say “don’t give a probable cause hearing” Fired without further thought? Sure. And while union rules require due process like protections, suggesting someone lose their job is hardly like suggesting they go to prison. Most people have zero protections for keeping their job so this, while not right under the collective bargaining contract rules the police are subject to, hardly shocks the conscience. Moreover with Abrego the most disturbing issue is that the government’s position is that there is nothing they can do after their mistake.
That irked me a little also, to be honest. It sounds like a kind of pre-emptive whataboutism: "Sure, feel free to criticize the Trump regime's lawlessness that threatens the country's constitutional system, just make sure you also advocate for due process in local emotionally charged cases." One is not relevant to the other, each can and should be addressed separately.
I missed Monica Metzler's (Hi Monica!) comment last week re AI's massive energy use and just want to heavily paraphrase Peter Sellers as President Merkin Muffley in Dr. Strangelove speaking to the Russian prime minister about the rogue nuclear bombs headed his way: "I'm as worried as you are, so we're both worried." Ditto to Laurence Siegel's comments on AI today. Whatever anybody is doing to develop AI responsibly and ensure its implementation doesn't help destroy what's left of humanity's ability to think and do things for ourselves, it isn't anywhere near enough. We still can't adequately control the pernicious influence of social media on children. Sheesh. I see an April Pew survey finds that 76% of AI experts think AI will benefit them personally, versus 24% of all adults. I would be less worried if they were more worried. Monica too I am sure! If Gallup or whoever ever called me to rank my issue concerns, AI would be number one.
I am in favor of tech and innovation as parts of the capitalist model of continuous improvement. But I also know that democratic government must put the controls in place to address risks and harms to society. There is no possibility that the tech industry will magically control itself any more than it has been true for any other industry. The problem is having legislators with the knowledge and wisdom to do it properly.
As for energy consumption, I have the feeling that is a problem that will be self-regulating. Income has to provide a return on capital and a profit over costs. So, I expect that the AI providers will have to find ways to reduce capital and expense and/or increase prices (which will reduce consumption). There will be a market cap on cloud storage, AI, Crypto, et al.
The energy issue is what led Microsoft to sign a deal to restart Three Mile Island. Hopefully they will provide updated control systems to avoid the mistakes that led to the meltdown in 1979.
I think that a lot of these types of data centers will consume energy from on-site generation owned by the center. This is the same as a lot of industries like steel and some institutions like universities. Solar panels, wind turbines, and small nukes will all be employed.
The reason I think it was such a shock wasn't that their data center would need so much power, but that they would resort to rebooting the site of the worst nuclear accident in American history to meet that need. I personally think we need more nuclear power, but shouldn't be relying on plant designs from the 1950s in the 21st century.
That said, it probably will cost less to reopen TMI than to build and certify a new plant.
I'm in the minority of the click poll (again!), voting against unsigned editorials. The idea that a publication has a collective institutional opinion that can be published without a human's name attached seems intuitively wrong to me, like Citizens United allowing a corporation to make political donations as a legal "person", I don't think it should work like that. Companies are fictions, their actions or views are the actions and views of people.
Obviously it's a person that writes the opinion and a reader would be better able to know how much weight to lend that opinion if the author's name and reputation were attached to it. Obscuring the writer behind the marquee of the outlet makes the opinion anonymous and therefore less important, in my view.
One important exception I'd allow is protecting a writer from potential repercussions from the government, especially in Trump's USA, it is not out of the question that a journalist would face serious persecution for writing an opinion piece criticizing the administration.
One can reasonably assume that a majority of the editorial board agrees with the unsigned editorial or it wouldn't be printed. They own the opinion even if they didn't write it.
Right, but that's the kind of "collective voice" that I find obfuscating. I'd just prefer that an actual human would have the nerve to stake their reputation on an opinion.
Wisconsin Supreme Court is sure showing those legislators! I wonder if the “four hundred and two” year budget increase will result in a “one hundred and thirty thousand six hundred and fifty” dollar increase per student?😊
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/wisconsin-supreme-court-jill-karofsky-tony-evers-402-years-budget-7f854027?st=2AeZsU&reflink=article_imessage_share
I grew up Jewish, but I absolutely don't get why it's a Passover joke.
I get the visuals of it & laughed, but what does it have to do with this boring stupid holiday, with terrible food, which originally was just an enforced vacation after the planting of the crops?
In fact, all the major Jewish holidays happen either after planting season or after harvest season & are exactly the same thing, take some off time to rest after that hard work.
But the religious kooks have fetishized them into something sacred.
I take offense Gary. I too grew up Jewish, and still go to Seders at my parents’ house. There is a part in the Seder where we read about the 4 kinds of sons. This is spot on. Unfortunately, most of the attendees at my folks do not seem to take it too seriously either.
Garry Spelled Correctly, Not to get into a religious argument, but I disagree profoundly with your view on Jewish festivals. Yes, they're earth-based, which is an understanding of the rhythms of nature with which we all live and which we must cherish. And the themes of each holiday are profound, including Passover. During our Passover Seders, we're commanded to tell the story every year of how the Israelites journeyed from slavery to freedom. There's a midrash (stories by the ancient Rabbis) about how the seas didn't part until one brave man stepped forward first, possibly risking his life if the seas did not part. In today's world and in the U.S., where our freedoms are being sledge-hammered away by this regime, and where each person must step forward to resist, the message is profound. Passover is connected to the next Jewish holiday, Shavuot, the giving of the Law, because freedom without laws is anarchy. Right now in the U.S., we're actually living this, as Trump and his regime are defying our laws. I'm not a kook, I don't fetishize, but I AM a proud and informed Jew!
By the way, flourless chocolate cake, almond brooch Passover cookies, home made macaroons (NOT in the can) are delicious. Check them out!
Macaroons are disgusting, filled with shredded coconut!
Mandel bread, Matzoh brie & decent matzoh balls are the only edible foods during Passover. I still remember those appalling jelly candies my mom would buy, blech!
I was raised Protestant and don't miss celebrating Easter. You are absolutely right; macaroons are gross.
Oh dear, no. Here are some excellent things you can eat during Passover:
1) Steak and French fries
2) Roast chicken and roasted vegies
3) Salmon (or chicken again if you aren't a fan of fish) and mashed potatoes
4) Omlettes with and a salad of tomato and mozarella
5) For desert: Ice cream sudaees, flourless chocolate cake, or the one amazing food made with mattzah: Matzah toffee.
This goy loves packaged macaroons. I look forward to them going on sale every year around Passover time.
Coconut, yay!:-)
You actually believe all that utter bullshit?
That's why I'm an absolute atheist now at 75, been one since I was 18!
I'm glad that we have this space, created by Eric, in which we can discuss different opinions, but with respect. I DO believe in the wisdom of Jewish traditions and heritage. You don't. Of course that's fine! And that's what I love about Judaism and about our country, that we can hopefully have different views and not impose them on one another.
I'm also a non-observant Jew who had no idea. Speaking of AI, I asked mine for an explanation (I didn't say "please" or "thank you" though) and got this:
"The **Four Sons** in the Passover tradition come from the **Haggadah**, the text read during the Passover Seder. They represent four different types of children, each with a distinct approach to learning about the Exodus:
1. **The Wise Son** – He asks detailed questions about the laws and customs of Passover, showing intellectual curiosity. He is given a thorough explanation of the traditions.
2. **The Wicked Son** – He distances himself from the community by asking, “What is this service to you?” The response emphasizes that had he been in Egypt, he would not have been redeemed.
3. **The Simple Son** – He asks plainly, “What is this?” and receives a straightforward answer about God’s role in freeing the Israelites.
4. **The Son Who Does Not Know How to Ask** – Since he does not ask, the tradition encourages proactively teaching him about the Exodus.
This teaching highlights the importance of **tailoring education** to each child’s level of understanding and engagement. It reflects the broader idea that everyone, regardless of their approach, has a place in the Jewish tradition.
Does this align with what you were looking for?"
We are very secular Jews, but we observe Passover (dare I say) religiously every year, and every year I visualize a mostly unbroken stream of Passover celebrations going back in time to my distant ancestors. The continuity of family and tradition is what’s special to me. Reminders of the value of going from bondage — of whatever kind — to freedom are also important. Especially now.
(p.s., I kinda like macaroons, but for me, make mine dark chocolate covered candied orange rind).
ANYTHING covered with dark chocolate is delicious! :-) And yes to the continuity of tradition, and to creating new traditions (vegan matzah ball soup?)
Many religious practices have a basis in something practical that made sense at the time. Celebrating a successful harvest meant people wouldn’t starve. Other religious rites might come from beliefs about acceptable behavior. Personally I believe a lot of the decline in religious practice comes from people not believing in doing things the same as people did 2000 years ago.
Do you find it at all annoying that this is your Substack, your writing, and mainly your views, and you have people asking for other people's views? I come here for your take on things, same reason I read your column at the Tribune. If i wanted Conservative views I could go follow John Kass. Not every spot needs to kowtow to conservative views.
I understand your sentiment, but would point out that not every conservative is a sanctimonious blowhard like Jack Kass…
They’re not?
Look at Jennifer Rubin. She went from total right wing to moderate left wing, all due to the fat fascist traitor.
He broke her & several other right wing repubs.
I really don't want to hear from anyone defending the likes of Pete Hegseth or Kristi Noem or RKFJR or Luttnick or the people who thought an administration full of these numbnuts was a good idea.
Those people are CINOs, if you will. Conservative in name only.
But Rubin isn't defending any of them, she hates them all!
I can't tell you how many people are amazed at that moron McMahon the Education Secretary calling AI, A-1 as in the steak sauce!
Kegsbreath will be gone soon, he's really made a mess of things using Signal. Noem is now an international joke with her purse getting stolen. Brainworm Bobbie is off the rails & will ultimately destroy himself & Lutnick is obviously insane, actually believing this tariff crap!.
I'm not so sure that Hegseth will be gone soon. I've been reading that Trump is counting on him to give the orders to the military when Trump declares martial law in response to "violent uprisings" (people protesting Trump's administration).
I laughed when I saw McMahon call it A-1. But since then I have enjoyed calling AI A-1. I am eager to see what policy McMahon proposes to stop students from using A-1 to do their homework.
Or David French. Or David Frum. Or Jonah Goldberg. Or Mona Charen. Or Kevin Williamson. Or Sarah Isgur. Or Ross Douthat. And on and on and on.
I read Charen in the ST & I'm surprised to see her so anti-fat fascist traitor, after what she used to write years ago.
Frum went liberal at least a decade ago & supported Hillary. The rest I never read & Douthat has always disgusted me, he always came of as an apologist for the worst crimes of the Catholic Church & its child molesting priests.
I really wonder if Rubin is sorry for her Republican cheerleading all those years. Her prominence as a voice of the Right (her column used to be called "Right Turn", after all) was part of the slow (perhaps inevitable?) Republican march from Reagan to Gingrich to Bush II/Dick Cheney to Trump. Has she ever addressed her complicity (to anyone's knowledge)?
There are plenty of conservatives who played a part in that back then who now wholeheartedly rail against this current regime. I mentioned a few in another comment below (Bill Kristol, Rick Wilson, Nicolle Wallace) and some have shown regret.
But I'm willing to look past that for now - we need as many allies as we can get at the moment. It's not like their Republican résumés will spare them from the MAGA wrath.
I know it may be hard to believe...
I reside in a blue bubble and would welcome conservative feedback/push back. Not the king worshipping Maga culture wars garbage, but thoughtful conservative ideology.
Sure but thats what other aources are for! I listen to Pod Save America for left discussions but the Bulwark for the right
I've recently subscribed to The Bulwark on YouTube, even though I loathed Bill Kristol for decades. I also watch Rick Wilson's videos from time to time, which is amazing knowing the terrible ads he was responsible for 20 years ago. Nicolle Wallace on MSNBC used to be George W Bush's communications director.
"Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows." ~ William Shakespeare
But yet you're a subscriber here. The land of the Rhubbard Patch, and Mincing Rascals, and a journalist who has been known to espouse viewpoints not in line with popular liberal opinion. It's what makes this substack superior to boring echo chambers.
I am a subscriber here because i like to hear Eric's point of view.
Exactly! I subscribe to Adam Kinzinger and other sane conservatives for that side of the arguments.
Could it be the Sun-Times is discontinuing opinion columns on Tuesdays and Thursdays because it cannot compete with the juggernaut that is The Picayune Sentinel?
I have no doubt.
I have no problem with espousing conservative views. I have said this in the past. But whose? Most of the views around here are expressed by readers. The majority of the readers lean left. Readers on the right have come here on more than one occasion to spew vitriol and announce they were leaving the the forum. There are occasional outside comments, more on Thursday than Tuesday, but for the most part this seems to be a reader driven forum. I totally agree with Eric on the the issue of non-subscribers being allowed to comment. I have said before that I read the comments after news stories on Yahoo. It is primarily hateful childish vitriol. I realize that here they would at least be required to provide a name. Let them sign up for a subscription and provide their legal name. Make it clear that over the top comments and those using personal attacks or attacking various groups are not welcome. Before David tells me, I realize that Trump catches a lot of flak. He is a special case and it does not happen in general to conservatives. Actually I do not consider Trump a conservative. He is out for Donald Trump and will spew out anything that gets a lot of people cheering for him.
"Conservative" is either meaningless today or means two radically different things today, a Venn diagram with a sliver of overlap between two circles.
Not just Trump, but quite a few MAGA leaders are just opportunists. Many were democrats. Peter Navarro speaking at the 1996 democratic convention in Chicago, "Make no mistake there are key differences between we democrats and our opponents": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCN1zk-4y5Q
Wow. Didn't know that about him. Thanks for sharing.
We have serious problems in this country. We have a shaky economy, many social issues, criminal violence and many others. It’s sad to think we elect people to enrich themselves rather than solve them. But I guess on the conservative side with Trump making all the decisions for them, there isn’t all that much to keep them occupied.
Hey Laurence - I agree with you. Opening up comments unfortunately results in some people hurling inane bumper-sticker vitriol at the forum from both sides of the political divide. I enjoy registering my perspectives in a thoughtful and reasoned manner without name-calling, branding or the occasional course language (although, truth be told, our friends Skeptic and Garry regularly give me a big smile and even an LOL from their very creative and descriptive posts! 😆).
One missive to those who do not like to see opposing conservative viewpoints in the discussion. Intolerance does not benefit your understanding of our very diverse world. Have a great day everyone!
I just had another thought. What conservative pundits will wish to contribute to this forum without the desire to simply attack liberals? George Will? I personally believe most conservative pundits would avoid coming here like the plague to avoid being labeled traitors to the cause by their fellow conservatives. Did any of the readers wanting more conservative commentary have any suggestions whom they want?
I'm going to disagree with you on this my friend. I believe most reasoned conservative pundits would welcome the opportunity to present a contrary viewpoint, and perhaps new information to many, on the PS. The entire point of commentary is to inform and attempt to persuade, and attacking people would simply turn them off and tune them out, so that would be counterproductive for a conservative commentator.
I think you are very wrong. I stick to what I already said. Most are more interested in the attack than contrasting viewpoints. And I read many, not just the ones occasionally seen in the Chicago papers. You should read the Vegas paper. I would swear ther columnists double ad Fox News shills.
I wish people would stop using the term conservative to describe The Orange Menace, the Muskovites, and the MAGAts. Conservative used to mean preserving the best parts of American life. The First Amendment protections come to mind as a conservative value.
Now "conservative" gets applied to those who literally and figuratively take a chain saw to our institutions in pursuit of personal revenge.
Which is why I use term MAGA more than conservative. No one on either side is wrong 100% percent of the time. There are distinct differences between MAGAs and conservatives. MAGAs call any conservatives that disagree with them RINOs. It's possible to be a conservative and not like Trump.. Many Chicago Democrats are conservative on both fiscal and social issues. They vote Democratic primarily as union members. No one could have called the Daley family liberals. Conservative and liberal are often confused with political party membership. I call myself independent. I refuse to support every plank in the platform of either party. Loyal party members are locked into positions with which they might personally disagree. It is a destroyer of independent thinking.
I wonder if the suggestions that the Picayune Sentinel should be a bothsidesistic bore come almost exclusively from the 7% who identify as "conservative"(whatever that means to them)? As for me, the tune of the week is "Stay as sweet as you are."
Speaking of Trump, someone will need to explain to me what makes him think he is smarter about the economy than Powell. A guy that has had a number of bankruptcies and closures? Powell has been fighting inflation since the beginning of the pandemic. Trump has been screaming that lowering interest rates will spur investment. It would also cause inflation. It would cause increased debt load for a population already amassing debt at record levels. There is no guarantee of a lot of new investment. And there are a lot of people that depend on earned interest for income and otherwise increasing their shrinking investments. This is once again Trump trying to boos things for the rich at the cost of the poor. He refuses to take no for an answer when told he can't fire Powell. There are sound reasons for the position to be independent of politicians like Trump, even more so than the judges Trump keeps threatening to impeach.
Trump cares nothing about the economy or inflation. Trump cares about Trump and what's financially beneficial to Trump. Period.
It's the classic Dunning-Kruger syndrome. he really thinks he's the smartest person on Earth.
In fact, he's easily one of the dumbest, he never went to class at either university he went to, paid other students to take his tests & only got his degree from Penn/Wharton, because his filthy rich father shoveled a huge amount of cash to them!
Remember, he actually didn't know what happened at Pear Harbor on December 7, 1941, he really asked an admiral about that!
He never reads any newspapers or magazines, let alone books, only watched Fox [alleged] News, required all papers given to him as president to be just one page, large type with bullet points to make sure he might understand it, plus put his name there a couple of times to please him.
In other words, he's a useless fucking moron, with the nuclear codes!
Not to mention that he pretends he is a Christian.. Notwithstanding his announcement about "Two Corinthians" I suspect he could not name a book in the Bible.
And his hate-filled rant about Easter which followed a message (that had some kind thoughts) and was clearly written by someone else.
Trump thinks that lowering interest rates will create a bull market and prevent recession and cover his ass as his foreign and economic policies cause negative disruptions in the economy. This is sort of general economic wisdom but there is only so much manipulation of the money supply can do. Once interest rates go to zero, there's not much wiggle room. (See Japan in the 90's and the US in 2008) In fact one of the main reasons the stock market is as high as it is, is there is a lot of money around and there's no place to put it and get a good return. (Based on fundamentals Trump Media should be about $2; it's trading at $22) Investors, foreign and domestic, are fleeing the dollar and Treasuries. Lowering interest rates will only exacerbate that trend. A cheaper dollar will make American goods cheaper, but if you think this will make a huge difference in the current trade wars, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
If you voted for Trump because of his economic genius, you watched too much Apprentice.
.
The average American has no idea just how precarious our economy is at the moment, and it's all from self-inflicted wounds of our would-be Dear Leader. If someone were trying to force the US government to default, I couldn't think of a better way to ensure that than by killing the stock market while also chasing foreign investors out of the bond market.
You are being too kind to him. Errors in financial judgment are almost acceptable. It’s all one big guessing game anyway, although supposedly it is based on computerized financial models. I don’t give Trump that much credit. How much of what he is doing now or did in his first term was purely populist and based on people adoring him or helping his billionaire buddies? It’s so sad watching MAGAs adore him and believe he actually cares about them.
"and justice to all.. who support me." All animals are equal. Ideological balance - maybe. There are too much one sided forums but it is a slippery slope. Maybe more Siskel and Ebert - individuals sharing thoughts and not afraid to disagree. Open comments - may God have mercy on your soul. "Coffin Flop" is definitely in the America's Funniest Home Videos cue the laugh track - but not funny. Rascals - I think poll question was about the rascal pre-show - which I admitted rarely watch, but catch every show. Chatbot - those worrying about extra energy costs also worry that Godzilla's toe fungus is spread to wherever he stomps.
AI is not going away. Anything invented by scientists is considered progressive. The problem with AI is that it will be used and misused by humans- at least until AI decides it can do without us. I like to use the example of nuclear energy. Splitting the atom was going to produce unlimited energy and help the entire planet. Unfortunately it also produced nuclear weapons which have the ability to decimate the planet. Even the inventors questioned what they did. Defenders will point out the wonderful things that can be created with AI. It has already been proven to produce fake ads and political speeches, student cheating and other misuses. How will we ever be able to determine when speech and images come from AI and not actual people, and can be as false as three dollar bills?
Unlike so many, I'm not afraid of AI, because we can cut off its electricity & then it dies!
AI will take over the power grid before anyone pulls the plug.
Then it commits suicide!
As an attorney who has been tutored on the use of "A-1" in the legal profession, I have seen the massive efficiency the tool can give to legal practitioners to use and abuse. I foresee 50%-75% of transactional work currently performed by attorneys and paralegals disappear within the next 5-10 years. I am concerned for those in, or applying to law school - the job market will transform significantly before they graduate (including my niece). I tell everyone that I know who is currently in law school to become as comfortable with, and adept in its use as quickly as possible.
Legal AI is most effective in the hands of experienced attorneys, because they know whether or not the "finished" product spit out by the tool is good or not. Junior attorneys who do not know much about the law can be easily deceived by (or become lazily reliant upon) the results generated by legal AI tools.
Legal-specific AI tools (Spellbook, for example) can reduce the amount of time in drafting extremely complex contracts by 90%. (I've done it.) BigLaw firms today say that they don't see legal AI cutting into their fees charged to clients. They're lying. If they try to maintain their current billing rates (by the hour) but are able to product the "same" work product in 1/10th the time, they'll either be padding their legal invoices to their clients or will be undercut by cheaper, effective users of AI legal tools.
As I said, it can have positive uses. It can also have negative uses. I can't wait for the legal fights over fake AI created evidence.
I am a very heavily lapsed Catholic but I mourn the death of Pope Francis, a good man in a wicked world and a preacher of mercy in a cruel world.
Other points of view (from Ron Filipkowski's excellent "Today in politics"): Ann Coulter: “Good work, JD.”… Rep. Marge Greene (R-GA): “Today there were major shifts in global leaderships. Evil is being defeated by the hand of God.”
He seemed to be a truly nice guy, had many Jewish friends in Argentina, wanted the church to end its appalling record on child abuse by priests, realized the poor needed help & didn't give a damn if gays existed & wouldn't condemn them, he said they were humans. He refused to live in the fancy papal palace, lived in the small guest house it had.
Now he'll probably be replaced by a monster like his predecessor, who was a member of the Hitler Youth!
About gays, Papa Francesco said "Who am I to judge?" The Pope of Rome himself expressing the humility that does not stain the robes of judgmental Bishops like that jerk Cardinal Dolan of NY. Papa Francesco was a Pope to be emulated as more Christlike in his words and deeds than many (most) of the Cardinals to be considered in the upcoming Papal Conclave.
Just more proof that Marge Greene is an evil person.
True That! But that is like saying leopards have spots. - Anyone with eyes can spot the soulless cruel human-shaped troll that is MGT.
It’s interesting to me that it is the people who consider themselves to be “conservative” or “libertarian” who feel that there needs to be more viewpoint balance here, I guess either in the Picayune Sentinel itself or in the comments. Also that “virtue signaling”by people on the left was a complaint. I looked up “virtue signaling,” and learned that it’s stating what one considers to be a popular opinion or viewpoint even though one doesn’t really support the opinion or viewpoint. These suggestions on how to improve the Picayune Sentinel sure make “conservatives” and “libertarians” seem pretty fragile! “Why don’t others agree with me!” seems to be a common refrain. “I’m not a monster!” was one of my favorites. They have repeatedly called me, in the comments section of the Picayune Sentinel, a “biological man,” said I should not be allowed in women’s locker rooms even though I have female parts, told me I should be ashamed of myself for comparing discrimination against transgender people to discrimination against black people, and then they have the chutzpah to say there is too much “vitriol” against “conservative” and “libertarian” viewpoints! Poor privileged babies! Talk about snowflakes. “Gee, Mom, people don’t like me because I support someone who separates immigrant families, and wants to disappear people to a Central American gulag without a court hearing! The world is so unfair!” Give me a break! By the way, I was interested to learn that the old definition of “vitriol” was sulfuric acid.
There certainly are some commenters here who exhibit undue fragility, but I don’t think that they’re among the 7%.
I’m sorry, StevenK, did I read this edition of the Picayune Sentinel wrong? Was it the progressives who were complaining about how the Picayune Sentinel and the accompanying comments were so unfair to them? Was it the liberals who said, “We’re not monsters”?
What you’re characterising as “complaints” were actually categorised as “suggestions”. How do you know that they were all made by conservatives? I’m a fairly liberal fellow, yet I wouldn’t mind seeing a few other viewpoints from time to time, even if I wasn’t one of the ones that dropped that in the suggestion box.
I certainly wouldn’t mind either, but it’s virtually impossible to find thoughtful conversations with conservative thinkers because they despise Trump as much as we do. How on Earth can we discuss the finer points of fiscal policy or human rights when the entire Trump administration is performative trolling while Trump eats the chess pieces and plays golf? The only real discussion right now is how to restore trust in whatever form of government emerges from this slo-mo car wreck.
You have no female parts. What you have are male parts/skin that have been fashioned into something resembling female parts.
In addition, your comment is a little like saying that a child born with a cleft lip, who has surgery to correct it, doesn’t have a normal lip; they just have a cleft lip that has been fashioned into something resembling a normal lip. Your hatred of transgender people could not be more manifest.
Dearest Randy, If you haven’t smelled it or tasted it, you are in no position to judge. And believe me, you will never do either.
Is anyone here besides me surprised that Trump didn’t ban Earth Day? It just has to be some kind of divisive liberal DEI plot designed particularly to hurt the coal, oil, and timber industries.
I'm sure no one told him it existed!
I'm sure Trump is in favor of the earth, especially the parts that contain oil, gold, and rare earths. And the part he stands on.
You forgot about any plot of land with a golf course, especially if he owns it.
“For consistency’s sake, be sure your demands for justice are framed as demands for due process and fair trials. That way you preserve the leg you’re now standing on as you demand due process and a fair trial for Kilmar Abrego Garcia.”
What a false equivalence. I have never heard any one, let alone a public official, seriously suggest that police officers who end up killing should be put in prison without due process. Maybe arrested quickly . But that’s when due process kicks in. Never heard anyone say “don’t give a probable cause hearing” Fired without further thought? Sure. And while union rules require due process like protections, suggesting someone lose their job is hardly like suggesting they go to prison. Most people have zero protections for keeping their job so this, while not right under the collective bargaining contract rules the police are subject to, hardly shocks the conscience. Moreover with Abrego the most disturbing issue is that the government’s position is that there is nothing they can do after their mistake.
That irked me a little also, to be honest. It sounds like a kind of pre-emptive whataboutism: "Sure, feel free to criticize the Trump regime's lawlessness that threatens the country's constitutional system, just make sure you also advocate for due process in local emotionally charged cases." One is not relevant to the other, each can and should be addressed separately.
I missed Monica Metzler's (Hi Monica!) comment last week re AI's massive energy use and just want to heavily paraphrase Peter Sellers as President Merkin Muffley in Dr. Strangelove speaking to the Russian prime minister about the rogue nuclear bombs headed his way: "I'm as worried as you are, so we're both worried." Ditto to Laurence Siegel's comments on AI today. Whatever anybody is doing to develop AI responsibly and ensure its implementation doesn't help destroy what's left of humanity's ability to think and do things for ourselves, it isn't anywhere near enough. We still can't adequately control the pernicious influence of social media on children. Sheesh. I see an April Pew survey finds that 76% of AI experts think AI will benefit them personally, versus 24% of all adults. I would be less worried if they were more worried. Monica too I am sure! If Gallup or whoever ever called me to rank my issue concerns, AI would be number one.
I am in favor of tech and innovation as parts of the capitalist model of continuous improvement. But I also know that democratic government must put the controls in place to address risks and harms to society. There is no possibility that the tech industry will magically control itself any more than it has been true for any other industry. The problem is having legislators with the knowledge and wisdom to do it properly.
As for energy consumption, I have the feeling that is a problem that will be self-regulating. Income has to provide a return on capital and a profit over costs. So, I expect that the AI providers will have to find ways to reduce capital and expense and/or increase prices (which will reduce consumption). There will be a market cap on cloud storage, AI, Crypto, et al.
https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-shelves-ai-data-center-deals-sign-potential-oversupply-analyst-says-2025-02-24/
The energy issue is what led Microsoft to sign a deal to restart Three Mile Island. Hopefully they will provide updated control systems to avoid the mistakes that led to the meltdown in 1979.
I think that a lot of these types of data centers will consume energy from on-site generation owned by the center. This is the same as a lot of industries like steel and some institutions like universities. Solar panels, wind turbines, and small nukes will all be employed.
The reason I think it was such a shock wasn't that their data center would need so much power, but that they would resort to rebooting the site of the worst nuclear accident in American history to meet that need. I personally think we need more nuclear power, but shouldn't be relying on plant designs from the 1950s in the 21st century.
That said, it probably will cost less to reopen TMI than to build and certify a new plant.
You *would* think the "Three Mile Island" brand would be a bit too tainted to revive. Maybe they will just rename it.
Yeah, it looks like they’re rebranding it as Crane Clean Energy Center.
I had to stand in disbelief of all the conservative leaning responses on how to improve your content on the P/S.
And they have the nerve to call Liberals whiners?
I'm in the minority of the click poll (again!), voting against unsigned editorials. The idea that a publication has a collective institutional opinion that can be published without a human's name attached seems intuitively wrong to me, like Citizens United allowing a corporation to make political donations as a legal "person", I don't think it should work like that. Companies are fictions, their actions or views are the actions and views of people.
Obviously it's a person that writes the opinion and a reader would be better able to know how much weight to lend that opinion if the author's name and reputation were attached to it. Obscuring the writer behind the marquee of the outlet makes the opinion anonymous and therefore less important, in my view.
One important exception I'd allow is protecting a writer from potential repercussions from the government, especially in Trump's USA, it is not out of the question that a journalist would face serious persecution for writing an opinion piece criticizing the administration.
One can reasonably assume that a majority of the editorial board agrees with the unsigned editorial or it wouldn't be printed. They own the opinion even if they didn't write it.
Right, but that's the kind of "collective voice" that I find obfuscating. I'd just prefer that an actual human would have the nerve to stake their reputation on an opinion.